Rigetti Ankaa-3: 84-Qubit Superconducting Quantum Computing and Quantum Safe Implications
The Launch
Rigetti Computing announced Ankaa-3 on December 23, 2024. The system delivers:
- 84 superconducting qubits in a tunable-coupler architecture.
- 99.5 percent median two-qubit fSim gate fidelity.
- 72 ns median two-qubit gate time.
Rigetti is a public company (NASDAQ: RGTI) and one of three publicly traded pure-play quantum companies alongside IonQ and D-Wave.
How Ankaa-3 Compares
| System | Qubits | 2Q gate fidelity | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Willow | 105 | ~99.7% (varies by code distance) | Dec 2024 |
| Zuchongzhi 3.0 | 105 | 99.62% | Mar 2025 |
| IBM Heron | 133 | ~99.5% | 2024 |
| IBM Condor | 1,121 | ~99.5% | Dec 2023 |
| Rigetti Ankaa-3 | 84 | 99.5% | Dec 2024 |
Ankaa-3 is a mid-scale system with gate fidelity comparable to industry leaders but not record-setting. Its distinguishing features are tunable couplers and fast gate times.
Rigetti's Hybrid Quantum-Classical Strategy
Rigetti operates Quantum Cloud Services offering customers access to its processors. The platform emphasizes hybrid quantum-classical algorithms and near-term commercial applications rather than focusing purely on the CRQC race.
Implications for Post Quantum Cryptography
- Rigetti's 84 qubits are not cryptographically relevant (same story as every other vendor).
- Superconducting ecosystem diversity (IBM + Google + Rigetti + Zuchongzhi in China) means multiple paths to fault-tolerant scaling.
- For PQC migration, Rigetti progress is one data point in a broader scale-up story; migrate now regardless.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Rigetti launch Ankaa-3?
December 23, 2024. 84 superconducting qubits with 99.5% median two-qubit fSim gate fidelity.
Is Rigetti publicly traded?
Yes, on NASDAQ as RGTI.
How does Ankaa-3 compare to IBM Condor?
Condor has vastly more qubits (1,121 vs 84) but comparable fidelity. Rigetti focuses on smaller, higher-utility systems with tunable couplers and fast gates.
Does Rigetti participate in DARPA QBI?
Rigetti has historically participated in government programs. For the specific November 2025 QBI Stage B list (which included 11 companies), verify the current DARPA announcements as the program evolves.
Sources
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